Fractal audio FM 3 vs Kemper Stage: which one to buy?

[@garygreening2799]

I have owned both. Sold the AXE FX. Ultimately I went with Kemper due to the amount of profiles of various amps from so many free and purchase sources. For instance I could never create the EVH Brown Sound or the Boston Tom Schulz sound on the AXE FX to my satisfaction but there are several people out there who sell their profiles of these sounds for Kemper that are spot on.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Gary, thank you for sharing!! It's a good point. I would only add that currently I'm really enjoyining the high tweackibility of the FM3...it's like going to school and learning how the amps work. Nevertheless the Kemper is a great tool... Thank you for your message!!!

[@mrnorbotron3308]

you can just import IRs into your FM3

[@claudeaerbeydt7238]

Every single one of your demo's is fantastic ... I wonder if there is anything that you can make sound bad 😊 Your playing and demosongs : heaven on earth ! Congrats and thanks

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hey Claude, this is a great compliment! I cannot say thank you enough! This really makes me happy!!!! Thank you!!!

[@cha_aseldo]

Found myself listening to the demo song over and over haha. Awesome review Leo and superb playing!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, I'm really happy that you enjoyed the music!!! Here you can find an extended version of the demo song: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@kenmasters007]

I understand the axefx comes with some good default presets / sounds good out of the box. That's the most important thing to me... getting good tones quickly. For kemper you need to try a lot of profiles before you get something good or you need to pay for them. Both are great units.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@andrewisawesome2011]

Hell ya, I love your videos!! Kickass quality and playing as always! Hope you're staying safe and well and keep them coming!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated...hope you stay safe too!!!!

[@Nig6tWalker]

i own the Axe 3 and the Kemper Stage and for me both devices are awesome,last night i was playing with the Axe 3,and today in the morning i was playing with the Kemper Stage,both devices are winners.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience and opinion with us!

[@yuriykrasnyuk5873]

Why only 4.43k of subscribers? Your playing is amazing and reviews are very informative! Thanks for nice videos.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated! I hope the channel subs keep growing...with your amazing help! Thank you once more!

[@bart2881]

Well, first of all, it was a great playing and feeling, so congratulations Leo! I have owned kemper for more than 10 years and i love it. At the beggining, i wanted to buy a Fractal, but it was not available in Chile, so i bought my kemper. To my ears, the kemper is raw and sensitive, and the fractal is a more refined sound (maybe too perfect) too much sometimes, but both sound great

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing and I'm really happy that you appreciate the playing!!!

[@fransiapotiente6618]

Nice song and review! I really enjoying your playing. You have a beautiful sense of melody

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much!!! When you like my songs...you make me happy!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@ezequieljauna1310]

Leo, your reviews are the best, thank you, i prefer the sound of the FM3 but the profile of the Kemper si amazing

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated!!!

[@jorgeasesino]

I guided myself from the musicians who use both, in this case, Matt Bellamy has used both with a Mastermind 22 and boss volume. And live they sound too beautiful and clear with their myriad sound changes. Everyone has their own thing, but the one who had the most sound in my head is with the Fractal by Vai, Bellamy, that I hear so much. Even my neighbor has the ll version to play progressive metal (he had diezel, EVH and Marshall) and it doesn't really sound any different at all. Thanks for the video!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, you are welcome, and thank you for sharing your opinion and experience with us!

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

First of all: cudos, your playing is 👏 ... fantastic! As für the sound: I really thought you played one same smp when I closed my eyes during the song. Great units that show that you don't have to carry around real amps, any more.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, your appreciation of my playing makes me happy!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you thath I've uploaded an extended versione of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@alienlovesecrets9379]

@@LeoGibsonGtr I just enjoyed it ... 👍

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

@@alienlovesecrets9379 Thank you!!!

[@IlyaZhuravlev]

Nice video as usual, Leo. I had Fractal XL+ and was happy with the sound but not with the weight and the size of unit and controller. And tweaking the sound in Fractal Edit took too much time as well. Last half a year I have Kemper Stage and I would say I forgot about tweaking and carrying the weight to rehearsals and gigs. One disappointing thing that I had to buy audio interface for my computer. But despite this I’m all the way on the Kemper side. Amazing sounding device and quite compact. I had a lot of processors before from Helix Line6 to Mooer but Kemper is winning. I think you can change your mind if you try good paid profiles for Kemper.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated and thank you for sharing your opinion. I totally understand you, and yes, maybe in future I will change my mind...but right now I'm just a little bit more on the FM 3 side...thank you for your message!

[@seenrobinson4944]

To my ear the FM3 sounds cleaner overall, while the Kemper has a non-appealing distortion that makes it sounds muddy and less pristine. Your review really helped me to decide which one I'm going to buy. Thank you and like everyone else, I concur, you're an amazing guitarist!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, for sharing your experience and for the great compliments, that really means a lot to me!!!

[@mrpollack]

Kemper sounds as good as the profile quality you use.. I have my profiles on my Kemper Stage and it kicks ass of all fractals and Helix and some tube amps too as playing live on stage with real loud band behind me..

[@mikeyg00]

I had an FM3 and I prefer the Kemper in terms of pure tone, for what it’s worth.

[@chaz__]

That demo song was awesome. Those chords you were playing high up the neck sounded so good.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, I'm really glad and happy that you like the song!!!! Thank you for letting me know!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@chaz__]

@@LeoGibsonGtr Awesome!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you!!!

[@CarloCanedoli]

Leo complimenti per il playing, la qualità di come suoni è altissima.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Grazie Carlo, apprezzo tantissimo i tuoi complimenti!

[@davideberardi1696]

Grande Leo, I like your videos, cheers from italy!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Davide, really appreciated!!!!

[@tsneia]

your videos are the best on the internet

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Tiago, this is a great compliment, thank you so much!!!

[@hierrogm]

What an amazing song to show off these units brilliant playing …I have both units and axefx ..so love em both

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much!!! I'm really super happy that you like the song!!!

[@rekkies99]

Thanks for this, you've put a ton of effort into this comparison and I believe anybody can make a well informed decision which to buy based on this, Cheers!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome and thank you so much for your feedback, I'm really happy to have been of some help!

[@triskelyon]

Very good match, i prefer the FM3, more effects and sensation for me. The kemper is great too. Thanks for your job, very good player. Stéphane from France

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Stéphane, I'm really happy that you like the video and the playing!!!

[@edwinkimmusic]

Kemper sounds great!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion!

[@andivax]

Thanks Leo! But in this video I didn't like your Kemper patch. It is profiler so you should find correct profile, in your case similar to your Marshall + Royer. It's very fast and easy even with free profiles. As for Axe , it is very frustrating in terms of making your own patches, etc. You will have latency while switching cabs, multiple IR's loading is pain in the ass, etc. But it sounds awesome and has so much effects.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I'm sorry for that. I just would like to tell you that actually the Kemper profile was done using the two microphones used for recording the real Marshall, I mean the Royer 121 and the SM 57 (and also the same two preamps: the chandler and the neve). I've spent some times trying to figure it out how to profile two microphones at once. This is what I get... maybe it can be done better, but I was using the exact same settings for doing the Kemper profiles as the ones used for recording the real Marshall. Thank you for your message!

[@andivax]

Leo Gibson aahh. So it's YOUR OWN profile? It may be tricky. I have friends who sold their profiles as commercial stuff. And they've said that some tones can't be captured because of complexity. Kemper is awesome but it can't be used for reamping stereo guitar tracks or qudra tracks. That's sad, limited by DSP.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, yes, it's my own profile of the exac same configuration of the Marshall (same mics, same preamps) used in the demo song....and I really went crazy to find out how to capture two mics....:) ... and maybe a video about it could be useful.... That's also the reason why I left untouched the sound of the Kemper, without tweaking the level of gain (as some of you has requested in the comments). The sound of this Marshal is pretty hard to replicate, as it has a lot of dymanics and in the demo song I'm picking with different nuances, touching harder the string and then softer, to test the dynamic response of the Modelers (the one of the Marshal is amazing in my opinion). Thank you!

[@andivax]

Leo Gibson you should ask Kemper forum members. Definitely your patch has too much gain. Why not to use single mic configuration for this test?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Well, because these are among the best modelers in the market and so I wanted to push them to the limit. And I really enjoy the sound of the couple SM57 and Royer 121...which is a golden standard...so I wanted to see how these modelers can replicate that sound!

[@tonepilot]

You really can’t go wrong with either of these units. Before I invest in another modeler, I’m going to wait to see what you think of the Neural DSP Quad Cortex when it comes out later in the year.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I'm in the waiting list...I also can't wait to try it out!!! Thank you for your message!

[@AlessandroLucas]

Thank you! I prefer kemper stage. Both units are great.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Alessandro, you are welcome! Thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@TijlCarrein]

I had the Kemper for a year and I concur, to get the best out of the Kemper, one should buy some 'pro' profiles that have been created in perfect conditions. But I immediately here in the Kemper clips why I sold it: it adds so much 'hair' to the sound that you need to dial out using low pass and high pass and reducing presence which in turns kicks you out of the mix completely, especially in a live situation... I had the Fractal Axe FX Ultra, then Kemper, then Axe FX 2XL, but now I use the marvelous Mesa Boogie Mark IV with the Fractal FX-8 in 4cm... IMHO, no modeler can attain the natural sound of analogue gear, let alone a mighty tube amplifier like that plexi of yours... I'm no tube snob but I really think that the clips of the real Plexi sounded so nice with wonderful dynamics, the fm3 a close second but the Kemper profile you made, I didn't like for the reason stated above... Thanks for your video, I'm no longer in the running for any modeler (had a 'digital' journey for more than two years) but still come back to your channel for your equisite playing and to remind me that my Mark IV is still in the race. Keep up the good work!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your experience and opinions: appreciated! The Mark IV is such a wonderful amp...I'm in love with basically every Mesa Boogie amp...😊

[@R.bluesman]

I made exact the same experience. Nothing comes close enough for me. Had the axefx II then the AX8. After buying the GT-1000 It was a surprisingly good unit in therms of feel, but the sound not authentic enough for some Bands :-(...then the Kemper Stage. Good sound and dynamic, but muddy. Made several profiles with really professional Equipment, but still muddy/hairy. Can‘t get rid of it. ...For small or Party Jobs I still use the GT-1000!!! Otherwise I play my Amps :-)

[@vitaliypoznakhovskiy9413]

I completely agree. I followed a similar path. I had Ax-FX2 twice and Kemper 2 times. I ended up buying Friedman JJ Junior + Fractal FX8 + Capture X. It's the perfect combination!

[@Damnstargazers]

Great video and love your accent

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you like the video!!

[@LeeJHodgson]

I preferred the realistic sound of the FM3. Your playing is superb, by the way. I'm really enjoying your presentations.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Lee, really appreciated and...when you like my playing...I'm happy!

[@realsongbook]

Great video. Tomorrow I’ll see it complete!... How much is the spillover on the FM3 when changing presets? When I had the AX8 the silence between presets was really annoying, while on kemper stage there wasn’t silence at all (and delays tails didn’t cut) I’m interested considering that both presets have different amps, volume and effects. Kemper changed that with no problem, but fractal was horrible at that point. Regards!

[@fergeraci]

Phenomenal review. Bravo. Thank you.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, I'm really happy that you like the video!!!

[@mrpollack]

I have and tried all of them and Kemepr Stage won so far as real amp sound on stage with real band situation hands down.. I'm happy with it and this surprices me cause I'm long time tube amps user.. But it works and is small and easy to fly etc.. Good job Mr, Kemper ! Tried FM3 lately but on real stage its for now so far eway from real tube amp sound, comparing to Kemper (I made my own profiles of Victory Super Kraken and my Friedman BE Deluxe and that alone is amazing ! ) Nuddling in home at my studio FM3 sounded, nice but not with my band behind me..

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion!!!

[@johnboy10]

I would buy the Real Plexi hands down!! I have a kemper but your demo shows how good the real deal is. Thanks so much

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome! Thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@rootcellarmusicstudiorobku519]

Some of my favorite playing I have heard you do. great chops and expression.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, this is really a great compliment!!! I did an extended version of that song, that you may want to check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68 Thank you once more!!!!

[@andrezcabara2774]

FYI: Since last year, a new firmware update allows the Kemper Stage to be used as a USB Audio interface. You can also select separate DRY/WET channels.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing!

[@jerryleokirkman9460]

Amazing guitar piece, nice reviews, thanks

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome!!! Thank you so much!!!!

[@208414]

To my ear the FM3 was a closer match to the real amp. The Kemper was close but didn't sound as clear /open. Full disclosure: I'm a Fractal Audio products user, so it may just be biased. I prefer the component level modeling philosophy. I like the ability to build and tweak a new rig on a whim rather than having to find (or create) the right profile for the sound I want.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi David, thank you once more for sharing your opinion with us!

[@oscedy1609]

Excellent review !!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, I'm super happy that you like the video!

[@onefiveeights152]

Waiting for FM3 vs Helix - specifically quality, accuracy and feel of amp models compared. That's the most important thing to me - then drive models, then time effects...then everything else. (of course interface is also very important). But really looking for some thoughts on modeling quality (either through power amp into guitar cab or with same IR)

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I'm working on something similar...stay tuned....😊! Thank you for your message!

[@picksalot1]

I prefer the FM3 for it's rich and smooth, yet dynamic tones. I thought the Kemper tended to sound grainy and harsh. In my own gear, I find that the more physical switches there are, the more the tone seems to suffer.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion with us!!!

[@U2WB]

WOW your playing is other-worldly.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much for such an amazing compliment!!! I'm really happy that you like the playing!!!

[@jepoydeclaro1723]

AMAZING REVIEW! GOOD JOB!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated!

[@tomaselke3670]

The kemper is starting to show its age, and seems to be muddy compared to both the real amp and the fractal. The fractal is doing something that I can't put into words other than to say it sounds right, but it also cuts through the mix in a pleasant way. I guess I'm still sitting on the FM9 waitlist and playing my old elevenrack in the mean time.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing!

[@tonyg6158]

Buy the one that makes you happy they are both amazing. I have the Kemper stage and I'm very happy with it but both units are awesome.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing!

[@Worlds_Worst_Guitarist]

Love your style. Sounds like an instrumental from the 50s/60s modernized.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you very much...really appreciated!

[@bucurgabriel6319]

FM 3 ...! The Winner !But I have yet one AXE FX lll..! I love your video !Thanks man !

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing your opinion with us and for the compliments, appreciated!!!

[@jhonfelo]

Nice comparison video Leo! Did you preorder the Neural DSP QuadCortex unit? Would love to see it compared against the FM3! Cheers man!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated!!! Yes, I preordered the QuadCortex...so, subscribe and hit the bell...not to miss the review and the comparison with the FM3...😊😊😊

[@jcserrano1663]

I really enjoy and love your videos

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, when you like my videos...I'm super happy!!!

[@antoniomonteiro1203]

Very good video also with great playing. The re-amping and audio switching are perfect! That said, please allow me to analyse what I consider the not so good point, always with the objective of future improvement: I would have lost a bit more time trying to equalize the sounds, especially in the non-Tube Screamer parts. The Marshall sounds the best although I believe the others can be made to sound very similar; the FM3 sounds almost the same as the Marshall, but lacks some live; maybe with a little more gain or bright it would sound better; the Kemper had too much drive, which would be very easy to compensate.

[@tomanotoja]

Beautifully played 🎸🎶

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you sooooo much!!!!

[@mikeyg00]

The only area where I noticed any kind of significant difference was in the very first (cleanest) plexi clip. The plexi has that pleasant sharpness we’ve grown to love. Was the plexi micd the same/same speakers? Subscribed, I like your style of quick intro, then the excellent playing, followed by the detailed analysis, so people can skip that if desired, well thought out!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi yes, it was. Thank you for your sub, it really means a lot to me, and I'm really happy that you enjoyed the video!!!

[@guitaristteacobouy]

How come i just got to know you, such a fine guitarist..i use Zoom G5n which is a toy compared to both the Kempler and FM3 but i am magnetized by the FM3

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated!!!

[@alvaroantonioocampogrey2823]

Nice review Leo, It would be great a review comparison of the FM3 with one from the Helix family (LT, Stomp or POD Go, considering they sound almost the same) :D

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Alvaro really appreciated! Well...I think that this weekend I will upload something your are referring to with you message...😊😊😊

[@alvaroantonioocampogrey2823]

@@LeoGibsonGtr Uhh great Leo! I think that will be the definitive one for me, I hope jajaj. Multieffects are in a good level now to think much about buying lots of pedals an amps, of course they're the best of option in sound and feel but in terms of money and convenience... Sometimes you just want to plug one thing and start composing before the idea goes away forever jaj.

[@gopnikbear7n6]

As an AXE FX 3 MK2 Turbo owner/fanboy, I must say that the best of the modellers/profilers that are in a board configuration is the Kemper Stage.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your findings!

[@59strat]

Thank you. Very informative video and wonderful playing. For my main purpose of home recording, my question is can you route the stereo Reverb/Delay to separate outputs so they can be recorded (printed) and processed separately from the main guitar /amp sound. I would not always have the unit hooked up to the DAW and having separate tracks would allow fine tuning of reverb/delay levels and EQ during a mix.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I really understand what you mean and I have the same exact need! Unfortunately I didn't find a way to do it (I also pointed it out in my demo review of the FM 3 that you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iZ7IgZmhoKtsfdE) If someone knows how to do it, please let us know!!! Thank you for your message!!!

Awesome video! Thanks!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome, I'm super happy that you like the video!!

[@citizenkang01]

In a mix it was really hard to tell which was which. However, once the band was gone... I'll take the plexi. But then, I want a vox. And then a princeton. And then a blues jr. And a two rock... maybe I'll stick with a profiler.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@farko63]

Hi Leo On SHUR Use foam inside springs for get less noise from them: could be better.... :)

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for your suggestion! yes, when I changed the strings I put some special sauce in the saddle...and...problem solved...😀

[@caeduafonso]

Beautiful song and play 👏👏👏👏👏👏 Show Thank you 👍👍

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome, and I'm super happy that you like the song & the playing!!

[@coppulor6500]

which one FEELS more like playing a traditional amp? All of the modelers and kemper etc sound great but which one FEELS the best? When you have that really responsive feel, like you are more connected to your guitar, it increases inspiration greatly. your opinion please? including mooer ge300 and helix etc. I would really appreciate your opinion. I watch your videos all the time! thank you!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, this is a very hard question to answer, as the FEEL is pretty personal personal (in my opinion) and it's hard to give an unbiased opinion. I'm trying to find a way to give an opinion based of fact, like for instance the management of the dynamic range of your playing, how the modeler cleans up or breack up according to your touch, etc.... I'm working on some videos about this topic... Sorry if I'm not answering right now, but I need time and some more experimentation ... Thank you for following my channel, I really appreciate it!!!

[@coppulor6500]

@@LeoGibsonGtr First of all, thank you for giving me a thoughtful reply. : ) By feel, I mean lack of latency, the same connection you feel with a tube amp. I'll give an example. I remember being excited to try out the Headrush at the local guitar store. It was plugged into a super reverb reissue. probably not the best test but that was how it was set up. I really hated the feel . There was a disconnect - I guess it was some degree of latency. It felt flat and although the tones were okay and even though I was playing through a tube amp, it just was very disappointing. I then plugged the same guitar into a Marshall DLC 40c - and amp I had heard good things about but with which I was not familiar. Felt fantastic. the guitar sang and I was very "connected" to the instrument. It's probably a combination of very slight latency and harmonic overtones? Just guessing because I can't explain it much better. Another example is playing through a Katana 50. Very very tight response. Almost too immediate - no sag feeling. Still, I liked the feel better than the Headrush. But for some reason, no guitar stores near me seem to want to set up any of the high end modelers/kemper etc effectively - which I really don't understand - seems like a very obvious thing to do. run them into a FRFR cab etc. I'm not sure because I have no experience actually being able to play through such a rig. And I obviously don't have the money to just buy on a whim. That is why I ask these questions. I am glad you are working on videos to address this. you are providing such a helpful service. thank you again!

[@kenmasters007]

Got to try it yourself... headrush is not in the same league as these units. Problem with most digital tech is how you set it up.. including what cab, PA or direct out options you choose will result in a different experiences. Also wanted to mention some amp parameters like sag is a configurable parameter.

[@coppulor6500]

@@kenmasters007 believe me, I would if I could. I would pay just to go somewhere where they were set up well with different options and try them. Relying on videos only is very frustrating despite my gratitude for their existence. Why music stores don't do this beyond me. They used to many years ago. Big ol racks stuffed with gear and switching units for easy comparison.

[@kenmasters007]

@@coppulor6500 buy with your gut and at a place with a generous return policy 👍

[@bartlettpsj]

I think both units sounded great. FM3 sounded better - BUT I'd say that the Kemper profile you used was not so great - the kemper is totally dependant on the quality if the profile - and Michael Britt profies are the go to profiles for many sounds. I have a Kemper (not FM3) and love it. You missed one of the great feature of Kemper is the extra Kabinet feature, that gives you an amp in the room sound -- it is devine and has 19 different specialized speaker IRs.

[@jvenandra]

Where we can find the extra cab features?

[@iansimmons735]

I'm a bit late to this discussion... If you're using the built-in profiles on the Kemper, you won't get the best results. There are a ton of amazing profiles out there for very little cost. Your Kemper Marshall demo has too much hair on it. You are spot on with the flexibility comment - if you like tweaking, modellers are the way to go (though I sold my Helix as it sounded too sterile and digital). The Kemper has a limited signal chain as you say. However I'm a guitar-and-amp guy, and on the Kemper, once I'd found the profiles I loved, I stopped looking, tweaking and started playing instead. That never happened with the Helix and I am guessing I would disappear down a rabbit hole with the FM3 if I got one, too! Your playing is amazing, by the way!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Ian, thank you for sharing you experience and your findings, and I'm super happy that you like my playing!

[@tzl9]

Great playing👍🙏

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated!!!

[@rodrockmixing1817]

Great playing, great video! Thank You! Can You teach us How to make our own impulses responses with good Quality? Also can You show us, step by step, How to make a good Kemper profile? Thank You.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, actually I have already done such videos: how to make IRs: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3rNpnlsoJqrjtU how to make Kemper Profiles: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjJhYahoJKXbZI Thank you for your message!

[@Starbuckz666]

Hm, I find it strange that in this video the Kemper sounds so far off the real amp, even though you profiled it yourself? I usually get the chain that I profile sounding almost the same as the source, with a little fine tuning. Coming from a pedal board with analog dirt pedals, from time to time I feel the desire to check out the latest and greatest multi FX offerings. But when I stumbled upon your comparison video with the Fractal against the Line6 I was really surprised how similar both units sounded and how bad they sounded against the Marshall. And I thought to myself with my Kemper I never experience such big differences with profiles that I made from my own analog chains. I would like to have a small multi for practicing, rehearsals or small gigs. But another thing I notice about those boxes is that the more FX you stack, the more „digital“ the tones will sound. With my pedal board I am sometimes stacking 3x drive (tube drive into BigMuff into Fendery amp), sometimes with a compressor in front. Sounds georgeous in the analog domain, sounds artificial in BIAS FX, Helix or Axe... But when I take a profile of that chain with my Kemper, it is one digital sound it needs to reproduce and that seems to work better than one digital effect going into another digital effect going into another digital effect... So yeah, I am a Kemper fan :) But if I did not have my analog chain which I wanted to recreate digitally and if I would not work with complex FX chains, I would probably go with the FM3 or a small Helix :)

[@cragginshred]

The downside of this is that many Kemper profiles are not very good, so you would have to find the very best one to provide a head to head comparison to the FM3

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

H, thank you for sharing your opinion!

[@luisxgonzalez]

Awesome video, can’t wait for my turn on the FM3 waitlist! Question: I know the FM3 lets you create patches for piezo/electric guitars where you can have both signals going at the same time through two mono inputs (1&2L) as seen in the manual. Can you create a similar patch in the Kemper stage where it can process both signals at once?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Luis, I don't think you can do it in the Kemper: in the FM3 you have a matrix of 4 x 12 where in the Kemper you have 1 x 12...so in the Kemper, as far as I know you can't use parallel block of effects or input. Obviously if someone knows something different, please let us know!

[@luisxgonzalez]

Leo Gibson thanks for the reply! Do you know if that piezo/electric combination is possible in the Neural DSP quad cortex? Looking to make one purchase for an all in one floor modeler and after your reply i think the Kemper isn’t for me. Right now I’m torn between the FM3 and Neural DSP quad cortex.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Luis, I don't have the quad Cortex, so I still don't know (I'm sorry for that). I have ordered one...so, as soon I will be able to put my hands on, I will make a full demo review and some comparisons videos. Thank you for your message!

[@luisxgonzalez]

Leo Gibson sounds great, thank you! Can’t find too much information on the quad cortex but from what it sounds like it should be able to do both signals. Still on the FM3 waitlist and unable to register for the quad cortex at the moment. I’ll keep my eyes out for that comparison video here soon

[@R.bluesman]

Hey Leo, very very Good Videos!!! Thank you so much for your hard work!!! ...is there a chance you could do some videos about profiling, especially if you find a way to get rid of the muddyness of the Kemper compared to the original? Regards :-)

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you!!! Actually, I did a video about the Kemper profiling procedure, that you can check out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKjJhYahoJKXbZI Please, let me know if this is what you are looking for Thank you for your message!

[@zenekzenobiusz8914]

Kemper wins with technical support. Kemper is constantly updating all versions. Fractal will make a new product and forget about users of previous models.

[@call2arms]

Zenek Zenobiusz To be fair, The Kemper Profiler has been out and has never been changed since 2010. The only thing new is a floor form factor. If they ever decide to make a Kemper 2, they will do the same and put all their efforts into their new flagship. It’s just not cost effective to keep supporting older models especially when the older units are less efficient or just flat out don’t have the DSP to handle their more powerful functions/algorithms. Fractal updated the Axe FX II afew more times after the III came out and before they officially stopped updating the AFXII, They gave them all an update with the Axe FX III’s Ares amp modeling with the updated and improved amp algorithms so they didn’t have to upgrade. I’d say that’s great support.

[@DimitriFrondizi]

@Zenek : you are saying sheer nonsenses, Fractal, on the contrary, releases many firmware/software updates for year until a machine of a certain generation will be able to store and manage the new updates / software technologies. In other words You can't expect that they can still release effective updates particularly for the first generations, AXE fx Standard and Ultra.

[@ShaneKhemprai]

@@DimitriFrondizi you are absolutely right

[@markham56]

Zenek Zenobiusz My experience with the Fractal Axe Fx II was outstanding. Fractal continued to provide major updates 5 years on. I know of no other product that does that.

[@BarryJohns]

I will never buy a Fractal product again. The owner is an obnoxious narcissist. The support is hideous. Kemper hasn't changed because it doesn't need to. How many people bought the newer version of each Axe-FX, waste of money. The Kemper sounds real, whereas the Fractal on anything other than heavy distorted guitars, sounds fake.

[@Timanator]

Amazing playing!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, your appreciation is really important for me!!!

[@jorgemm1000]

In this comparison I liked Fractal the most, Great but Ima buy the Fm9. Just think the Fm9 should have tone capture, I think the technology is going far and the tone match is a feature I think every model should own !!

[@jorgemm1000]

Maybe I buy the Fm9, and buy a Mooer G300 Lite, so I can capture different tones, it is important for me !!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Jorge, thank you for sharing your opinion!

[@yarravillains8397]

Sounds to me thats you may have overloaded the kemper profile sounds compared to the fm3... is this sounding the same to you?

[@RezaM-mu2yz]

Hi Leo, thanks for always great content and videos. My question is that which one of the units felt more like a real amp on your fingers when played? Thanks

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you so much!!! This is a pretty hard question..they both sounds great...I'm a long term user of the FM3...so I would go with that...but it is just a personal opinion...also the Kemper is great. Thank you!

[@JoaoMarcelo_1]

Great review! Amazing pieces of technology, but I prefer the real deal. The real plexi sound much better to me. The FM3 sounds a little muffled and the Kemper adds a harshness to the sound (to much gain?).

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you! If you want, you can check out an extended version of the demo song played with the Marshall following this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68 Thank you for your message!

[@SamuelAging]

Great video...thanks!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

You are welcome, thank you for your message!

[@puppet-m]

sold both and got the real amps! real amps are more fuller in a mix. if you want less headache either one of these will work.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Jason, thank you for sharing!

[@StefBorremans]

Great review Leo! What are you using to amplify the Axe and Kemper in the studio?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you, really appreciated. Actually, in the studio I'm going from the Kemper or the FM3 into my Apollo interface and them I'm listening the sound with the studio speakers. Thank you for your question!

[@juanpablosandoval3285]

I love all your videos. You have new subs!!!. Could you help me, I'm looking for a quality amp and cab simulator pedal (that can load IR and 3rd party modelers) with L-R outputs. The only thing I can find is the ACS1 from Walrus and it only charges IR... Do you know of any pedal that meets those characteristics? (I thought about using 2 tonex, but due to the size of my pedalboard they don't fit and I have to spend extra money on the phase inverter). I would use it to play U2 style. And I'd use the amps to the brink of breaking. Thanks

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, I'm happy that you appreciate the video! May I ask you what you mean with "can load 3rd party modellers? Maybe you mean 3rd party IRs? If I remember it well, you may want to check out the two notes opus that has a stereo AUX out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKDJhaKYhKZsiaM

[@juanpablosandoval3285]

​@@LeoGibsonGtr I apologize, my English is bad and I'm new to the digital world. I mean that I can use other preamps and not just the factory ones (since the ACS1 only has Vox, Fender or Marshall) either modeled or captures and also load IR (similar to a multi-effects, like Quad Cortex, HX stomp, Tonex etc). I would choose the nano cortex, but I don't know if it has the capacity and in the future it will be modernized and allow the use of two preamps and two different IRs in parallel (L and R), like the Quad, the same thing happens with the Tonex, it doesn't have a parallel :c.

[@johnfarrell5176]

Both units are great but are out of my price budget. Are your going to do a comparison with the Mooer products? How does the Synth of the GE300 compare to the FM3 Synth?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi John, I'm working on other comparison videos...maybe I will do also a comparison with Mooer. I've not compared the synth and actually I'm not using them too much....I will check them out! Thank you for your message!

[@JhoanAnticona]

I love your videos!!! Please Line 6 Helix vs Mooer Ge 300

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Jhoan...good suggestion...I'll try to do my best!

[@andreagioe84]

Leo Hai un sound pazzesco !!! Iscritto subito al tuo canale!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Grazie mille Andrea, per il complimento e il sub!!! Sono molto importanti per me!!! Thanks!!!!

[@duel5071]

I'm using a fantastic converter to monitor. In this video and your other video, the FM3 sounds bland, non-dynamic, non-harmonic, and slightly muddy. The Kemper sounds far better and much closer to the juicyness of the real Marshall. I'm surprised this hasn't been mentioned, it's clear as day here. Great video nonetheless, really enjoyed it.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi thank you for sharing your opinion and for having enjoyed the video!

[@jcserrano1663]

Dear Leo, I am saving for the FM9 to replace my AX8

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you for sharing!!! I'm in the waiting list for the FM9 since a long time...they just email me telling me that because of the chip shortage they are delaying ... I hope they are gonna solve their problems.. Thank you!

[@doublemusics4591]

I am a beatboxer, vocalist which one to buy for live looping and beatboxing?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, maybe in your scenario (if I understood it properly) the FM3 is better as it manages longer loops. Thank you for your question!

[@jesus4pincho]

Headrush looperboard for that, this units shines better with guitar and basses

[@doublemusics4591]

@@LeoGibsonGtr ı mean i have a looper rc505 looking for a good multi effects pedal, for example mod duo x, line 6 helix, tc helicon voicelive 3 extreme or mooer ge 300, sy300

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, Fractal audio is well known for the quality of their effects...I read that for instance Steve Van is using an Axe FX just for the effects!

[@ldubz3627]

Hey Leo, I just found your channel a few weeks ago and it’s awesome man!! I’m looking to upgrade from my mooer ge 200, and wanted to get your opinion on what might be a good option. I play a lot of reggae inspired songs, so I’m looking for a unit that has a good variety of clean, chimey, spacey, and dreamy tones. Having a drum machine would be nice, but I suppose it’s not crucial. And looking for 4 or 5 foot switches Been looking at the various units you review like boss gt 1000, headrush, etc. but finding it difficult to choose. Thanks for your time!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, if money are not an issue I would go with the Fractal FM3 + midi pedalboard. Otherwise, all the other options you have mentioned are fine. I would consider also the Mooer GE 300 lite (if you don't need an exp pedal) or the GE 300 if you need exp pedal. Thank you for your message and for following the channel! I would appreciate if you will tell us your final decision and why...I think it's gonna be interesting for other guitarists!

[@ldubz3627]

Leo Gibson thanks for the recommendations. I think the fractal fm3 is a bit too expensive for me at the moment. I’ll look into the others a bit more.

[@georgesilveira4936]

In this case Kemper for Life!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi George, thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@lukather1]

If upturn into flexibility and effects and the editor take the FM to a different level

[@fuatcafarovmusician5594]

Great Song!! Great Playing!! And Fractal sounds more organic. Marshall with a little bit more nuances. And kemper isnorm^) thanx for review

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, really appreciated...when you like my songs...I'm happy!

[@fuatcafarovmusician5594]

@@LeoGibsonGtr do you have this song in audio or video version(without comparison) i think we will be very happy if you share with us

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for letting me know!!! Actually I didn't expect such an high appreciation of this song...I'm working on a longer version...I'll keep you informed...thank you once more!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68 Thank you for your suggestion!

[@rickymolina7390]

Hi Leo, thank you for your wonderful videos...I'd like to know if your songs were recorded DI or did you mic an amp (and if so, what mic and amp did you use)? If DI, then omg I have to get one of these babies (probably the FM3). Thank you so much!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, the real marshal has been recorder with a real cab, two mics (an sm 57 and a Royer 121), with two mic preamps into my Apollo x 16. Both the FM 3 and the Kemper Stage have been recorded via their XLR output into the Apollo. Thank your message and your appreciation of the videos!!!

[@rickymolina7390]

Awesome, thank you!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@rickymolina7390]

@@LeoGibsonGtr Beautiful expression. Awesome song. I also very much like your song "Isole." A first rate song by the highest standards.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi Ricky, thank you so much for letting me know...Isole is a pretty old song...I'm really happy that you like these songs!!! ...currently I'm using the majority of the musical ideas for the gear review....Maybe I will upload more songs in the future...

[@cmccooeye]

gees forget the gear. this guy can play.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you Chris, really appreciated!!!

[@anssitahtinen9276]

Great playing and comparison! What was the reason you used Super OD instead of the TS808 model in FM3?

[@dan_perry]

Sounds like you may need some springs in the Suhr or maybe it could be the nut? Thanks for the vid.👍

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, it is the nut...honestly I like it...it gives a good vibe and touch to the tune...like when you hear tha hands moving in an acustic guitar. Thank you for your message!

[@s.b.2450]

I think you are a very good person.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you so much, your feedback is super important for me!!!

[@64north20west]

It appears to me that the only reason to choose Kemper over Fractal is for a (fairly wealthy) touring musician who has a collection of amps that they could profile and all the foot controls. As for sound, I cannot choose one over the other as they are both top of the market. Thanks for another great analysis.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank your for sharing your opinion with us and for your message!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@64north20west]

@@LeoGibsonGtr I just saw it. Incredible!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you!

[@mateusraitz1803]

You don’t have to profile your own amps. There are people that profile amps and sell those profiles for very cheap.

[@BagusWibisono]

Hi Leo.. I need your preference.. I just have my money around $1.700 USD for buy best one of them. Which one should I buy, Kemper rack profiler (Used condition) or Fractal FM3 (without foot controller) ? For sure best powerful unit for all situation.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I think it depends. If you want a simpler unit, with the possibility to profile amp, and you are not an effect geek (for instance you are not into highly complicated effects chain): go with the Kemper. If you like to explore, to dig parameter, to tweak knobs, learning how an amp deeply work and you also an effect geek, that build complex effect signal chain: go with the FM3. They are both great units and you can obtain great tones with both of them. Thank you for your message!

[@neygomes198]

Muito bom vídeo !! Parabéns

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you, I’m Happy that you like the video!!!

[@jazzylei143]

Fm3. 😍

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you for sharing your opinion with us!

[@208414]

You are a really good song writer.

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Thank you David, your message makes me happy!!!

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, just to inform you that I've uploaded an extended version of the demo song here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJC8paubmbiKZ68

[@Sanjiocom]

Is it possible to use studio headphones with FM3?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, there are two versions of the FM 3, one with headphone out and another one without. I have the version without headphone out, as Fractal told me that if I wanted the one with headphone I should have waited more time...Thank you for your question!

[@samgeorge2494]

Hi Leo, great comparison, I don’t own any of them, however by my listening to both of them -in your review and other reviews- I got the conclusion that even though the FM3 have more options but I see the Kemper has more dynamic and responsive tone, this is a really serious point that was not considered in the comparison, what do you think?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, thank you! Well, it's very difficult to give an unbiased answer as the feel and dynamic of a unit is a very personal experience and may vary depending on amp and cab chosen..this is the reason why I tend not to evaluate the feel and dynamic... I think both the units are just fine and I would not have any problem in playing live with any of the two. Maybe in the future I will do a video about this topic...as it is pretty interesting even if really subjective! Thank you for your question and for the appreciation of the video: it's really important for me!!!

[@derrotamundial4554]

what is your opinion Leo?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, you can find my 2 cents starting from 13:27 Thank you!

[@zaldum386]

which one gives better feel plyaing?

[@LeoGibsonGtr]

Hi, I think it's pretty personal, bu honestly they are very very close.. Thank you for your question!